Free Language Festival in Erina (NSW Central Coast)

The purpose of this language festival is to promote awareness of language diversity, by providing “tasters” of multiple languages and cultures in a fun environment.

A highlight will be a fascinating presentation by Australian linguist, Dr Gregory Cooper. In the early 1980s Dr Cooper travelled to remote north-western Pakistan to study an as-yet unwritten language. Just by interacting directly with the native speakers, he was able to learn the language (Kalashamondr), create a system of writing for it and teach it to the Kalasha people, who are now recording and publishing their own stories and songs.

Also presented will be Esperanto, the world’s most successful international language. Apart from its role in neutral and equitable communication, Esperanto can also be useful as a “springboard language”: Because its simple rules have virtually no exceptions, and because its grammatical structure is always clear, starting with Esperanto can give one the confidence and solid grounding that are so important in language learning.

Some other languages to be presented at the festival include: Korean, Japanese, Farsi, German, French, Dutch, Lithuanian and Hindi.

The festival will be held at the Erina Centre, Erina Fair, from 12 noon to 5.30 pm.